As the Pennsylvania General Assembly returned to Harrisburg Tuesday to fulfill its Article II, section 4 state constitutional obligation to meet annually at noon on the first Tuesday in January, it did so with fewer faces, one new face, and a call to move beyond the fiscal debates that have weighed down policy progress in Pennsylvania.

Two Philadelphia-specific taxes got the legislative spotlight Tuesday as the Senate Local Government Committee held a hearing on the city’s beverage tax and the House Finance Committee held a hearing examining legislation to alter the city’s wage tax.

Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks), Majority Chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, sat down with The PLS Reporter to give us the inside scoop on his thoughts on House Bill 271, how much money it could raise, and when the House might take action on the legislation.

The House Gaming Oversight Committee held a marathon hearing Monday that examined a proposal that would legalize video gaming terminals (VGTs) as a means to produce revenue for the Commonwealth and local governments.

The proposal—currently enshrined in House Bill 1010, which is sponsored by Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) and Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster)—would legalize the machines that host slot-machine-like games and allow them to be played in and hosted by establishments that possess a valid Pennsylvania liquor license as well as truck stops and off track betting sites.